St. Thomas' Waldvogel to play in German pro league

Fritz Waldvogel, the MIAC Player of the Year and an All-America in both 2009 and 2011, has signed a contract to play pro football in 2012 with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorn of the German Football League.

Waldvogel will report to the Unicorn after he graduates in May. The season there lasts into October.

Schwabisch, which runs a spread offense, went 16-0 in 2011 and was quarterbacked by ex-Linfield (Ore.) College standout Aaron Boehme, who faced the Tommies in the 2009 and 2010 NCAA playoffs. Linfield defensive tackle Paul Nishizaki also played with the Unicorns.

German pro teams can sign only one new American player on each side of the ball per season.

Waldvogel started a school-record 50 games at UST and led the Tommies to a 43-7 overall record and two conference championships. He closed with 46 touchdowns (10 on kick returns), 300 receptions, 4,289 receiving yards and 7,433 all-purpose yards. He was among four national finalists for the 2011 Gaglardi Trophy as Division III football's top player, student and citizen.

Waldvogel has a full-time job waiting for him after he graduates this May, but he's working to get his starting time delayed.

Click here to read comments from Waldvogel in Ryan Shaver's story in Tommiemedia.com: